Saturday, 20 October 2018

Zenobia

This graphic novel is about a young girl who is a refugee from Syria and
her dangerous journey away from the war in her country. Through evocative
pictures and minimal, well-chosen words, it is a gentle but tragic story that
doesn’t shy away from reality. Created in Denmark, where it won a national
illustration award, Zenobia deals
with an important international issue. It will no doubt will be read by older
children and adults around the world.

Beginning at the end, the reader is not lulled into a sense that this book
has a happy conclusion. Rather, the story is about how Amina got there and who
she was. There are three stories in one and they are depicted by different
colours. Amina’s present at the start is full colour. When she remembers her
mother back in Syria in the past, the illustrations are in shades of brown. And
the story of Zenobia, a great warrior queen of Syria, is in purple and orange.
The colour changes are very effective in indicating time, but also in changing
the mood of the story.

The first words are after ten pages of pictures, which strengthens their
impact. Then at the end of the story there is no need for words again – this is
quite powerful. The story of Zenobia, told
by Amina's mother, helps to make the book a bit less bleak. Zenobia acts as a
source of strength and comfort for Amina after the ship wreck, even when
everything is going wrong. Also Amina's memories of playing hide and seek and
cooking with her mother, are very touching.

For children learning about refugees Zenobia
clearly depicts how people like Amina have no choice but to leave. And while it
is a very hard topic, it is important for children to understand what is
happening in the world. Still, some younger readers may find it upsetting.

This graphic novel is the ideal format to depict war and desperation in
such a quiet but emotive manner. Zenobia
is an important and haunting read for upper primary school upwards.